Addresses: Quality Management Research Unit, Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, P.O. Box 197, Caulfield East VIC 3145, Australia. Centre for Manufacturing Management, Graduate School of Management, University of Melbourne, Australia. Centre for Manufacturing Management, Graduate School of Management, University of Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: This paper presents some of the key findings of a study into quality management practices of a number of Australian manufacturers with a known interest in and commitment to quality improvements. The information was derived from a detailed questionnaire completed by 52 organisations, and three in-depth case studies. Based on the analysis of the questionnaire survey and the case studies, this paper discusses the following: (i) the motivation for introducing quality improvement (TQM) initiatives; (ii) the major barriers to implementation; (iii) the requirements for successful implementation of TQM, including quality leadership, customer orientation, organisational structure, process capability and control, employee commitment and evaluation.